Temple Square fun!

Last night our family packed up for family home evening and headed to downtown Salt Lake to explore the lights on temple square (maybe it wasn't family "home" evening since we weren't exactly at home).

Anyway, the weather was less frigid than it has been other years, but we still bundled up and drove ourselves to the city.

After scoring a fabulous (and, luckily, free) parking spot, we walked to the temple grounds for some sparkly, brightly lit, sweet, holiday fun!

Of course, as always, the lights were amazing.

We did stop to get warm in a couple of the visitor centers (and got to chat about some of the history of these amazing buildings).

And we got a little quirky as we went...which happens to us.  It's just part of who we are.

It really was a wonderful family outing.  My favorite thing is when we get to spend time together building memories that will tuck themselves away in the kid's minds hopefully laying a foundation of happiness and strength together that they can pull from forever after.  I really do adore these people.

Then we drove home (stopping for ice cream on the way back, of course, thanks to some Wendy's coupons).  What a great night.

At home, we found a box on the porch from some anonymous friends with goodies for the fam.  We really are blessed with the very best people in our life.  

The beauty and wonder and kindness all around us reminds us over and over of the reason that we celebrate this holiday.  I am forever grateful for the birth and life and example of my Savior, Jesus Christ, and I hope to be more and more like Him each day.  What a precious gift He has given us.

This night was a perfect way for our family to focus a little more fully on what really makes a Merry Christmas!  (and I wish the very same for your and your family)